904L Stainless Steel Medium Thick Plate Introduction
904L Stainless steel medium thick plate usually refers to stainless steel plates of 4-25 mm in 904L grade.
What Is 904L Stainless Steel?
904L stainless steel is a high alloyed superaustenitic stainless steel with very low carbon content, which is designed for corrosion and pitting resistance in a wide range of process environments. The “L” in 904L stands for low carbon, specifically, carbon added to the alloy represents 0.02 percent or less. This means that 904L has very good welding properties.
To be considered 904L stainless steel, it must have a unique chemical composition that includes the following:
| Nickel | Chromium | Carbon | Copper | Molybdenum | Manganese | Silicon | Iron | S | N | P |
| 23–28% | 19–23% | 0.02% maximum | 1–2% | 4–5% | 2% maximum | 1.0% maximum | balance | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.03% |
904L Stainless Steel Medium Thick Plate Production
Melting — casting — forming slabs/billets — hot rolling — annealing and pickling — cold rolling — straightening — examining
904L Stainless Steel Medium Thick Plate Features
The 904L stainless steel medium-thick plate possesses several notable properties that render it a preferred material in various applications.
1. Excellent Corrosion Resistance
One of the key characteristics of the 904L stainless steel medium thick plate is its exceptional resistance to corrosion. This alloy combines molybdenum and copper with iron for tremendously increased resistance to reducing acids chloride solutions, and seawater, which demonstrates excellent resistance to both general corrosion and localized corrosion, including pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking.
2. High Tensile Strength
The 904L stainless steel medium thick plate exhibits a remarkable tensile strength, making it suitable for demanding applications that require structural integrity and load-bearing capabilities. With a tensile strength significantly higher than standard austenitic stainless steel, this material offers superior mechanical properties and can withstand heavy loads and high stresses without deformation or failure.
3. Excellent Formability
Another advantageous property of the 904L stainless steel medium thick plate is its excellent formability. This alloy can be easily shaped, bent, and fabricated into various complex structures without compromising its integrity or performance. This is because it has high ductility and low carbon content, which contributes to its exceptional formability and allows for the creation of intricate designs and customized components.
4. Mechanical Properties
| Yield Strength
0.2% Offset |
Ultimate Tensile
Strength |
Elongation
in 2 in. |
Hardness | ||
| psi | (MPa) | psi | (MPa) | % | (max.) |
| 31,000 | 220 | 71,000 | 490 | 36 | 70-90 Rockwell B |
5. Heat Resistance
The 904L stainless steel medium thick plate exhibits remarkable resistance to heat, making it suitable for applications involving high temperatures. This alloy can withstand elevated temperatures without significant loss of mechanical properties or degradation. Its ability to resist oxidation and maintain stability at elevated temperatures makes it ideal for use in heat exchangers, furnace components, and other heat-intensive environments.
6. Good Weldability
Like general stainless steel, 904L stainless steel can be welded by a variety of welding methods. Commonly used welding methods are manual arc welding or inert gas-shielded welding. Preheating is generally not required before welding, but in cold outdoor operations, to avoid condensation of water vapor, the joint part or adjacent area can be heated evenly. Pay attention to the local temperature not exceeding 100°C to avoid carbon accumulation and intergranular corrosion. When welding, small linear energy, and continuous and fast welding speed should be used. Generally, heat treatment is not required after welding. If heat treatment is required, it must be heated to 1100~1150℃ and then cooled quickly, otherwise, it is susceptible to hot cracking.
7. Low Magnetism
904L Stainless steel has low magnetism and can be used in some situations with high magnetic requirements, such as medical equipment and electronic instruments.
904L Stainless Steel Medium Thick Plate Applications
904L stainless steel medium thick plate, with its exceptional properties, finds extensive applications in various industries. Its versatility and reliability make it a highly sought-after material in the following key industries:
1. Chemical Processing Industry
Its remarkable resistance to corrosion makes the 904L stainless steel medium thickness plate an ideal choice for handling aggressive chemicals, acids, and corrosive gases in the chemical processing industry. This material is often employed in the construction of storage tanks, reactors, piping systems, condenser tubes, and the production of phosphate-based fertilizers, ensuring the safe containment and transport of hazardous substances.
2. Oil and Gas Industry
904L Stainless steel can resist both sulfuric acid and chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking, making it a crucial component in offshore platforms, pipelines, heat exchangers, and other equipment that come into contact with corrosive fluids. This material guarantees the integrity and longevity of these vital structures, even in the harshest environments.
3. Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry demands materials of the highest corrosion resistance and cleanliness. 904L stainless steel medium thick plate fulfills these requirements, making it an indispensable choice for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical equipment. Reactors, storage tanks, and process piping made from this material ensure the purity and reliability of pharmaceutical products.
4. Marine Environments
Its exceptional resistance to seawater corrosion makes it the material of choice for constructing ship hulls, offshore platforms, cooling equipment for seawater, and other marine structures. The ability of this material to withstand harsh conditions and prevent corrosion ensures the safety and longevity of these vital maritime assets.
5. Public Uses
It also has applications in heat exchangers, bleaching systems, door planks, internal parts, spray systems, papermaking equipment, pressure vessels, centrifuges, reactors, cooking wine, and dressings.
Factors to Consider When Selecting 904L Stainless Steel Medium Thick Plates
When selecting 904L stainless steel medium-thick plates, several factors must be taken into consideration to ensure the material’s suitability for the intended application. These factors include:
1. Cost
The cost of 904L stainless steel medium thick plate is subject to variation, dependent upon factors such as size, thickness, and quantity required. It is important to consider the constraints of one’s budget and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the material with the specific requirements of the project at hand.
2. Corrosion Resistance Requirements
One of the most notable advantages of 904L stainless steel lies in its remarkable corrosion resistance properties. It is crucial to thoroughly assess the environment in which the material will be exposed, to determine the level of corrosion resistance that is needed. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to corrosive substances must all be taken into account.
3. Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of 904L stainless steel, including its strength, hardness, and ductility, must be carefully evaluated by the specific application. A comprehensive understanding of the required mechanical properties will aid in selecting the appropriate thickness and grade of the material, thereby ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
4. Availability and Lead Time
It is also important to consider the availability and lead time of the material. Working in collaboration with suppliers or manufacturers who possess a reliable supply chain and can provide the required quantity within the specified timeframe is highly advisable. This approach guarantees the smooth execution of the project and prevents any unnecessary delays.
Get Your Stainless Steel Fabrication from Gnee Steel Now
Gnee Steel is a professional stainless steel supplier and exporter in China with more than 15 years of development and experience. We can offer high-quality stainless steel medium thickness plates in hot-selling 321, 347, 410, and 904L grades. For more other stainless steel products, contact us to learn more details!